Mercy Hospital Southwest is one of 20,000 designated baby friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide.

 

"You have lactation experts who float around the floor and help with any problems", said Suzanne Chernabaeff, Mercy Southwest hospital lactation coordinator.

 

The hospital has implemented several steps in order to support breastfeeding mothers.

 

"The nurses here helped me with tools I could use to help my daughter get more milk while I'm nursing, and I tried that for a week and at her next weigh in she gained over a pound", said Megan Bynum.

 

The hospital also has a private consultation room where mothers can meet one on one with a lactation expert. Nicole Rossi received lactation support  following the birth of daughter and also attends the mom to mom group held every Friday.

 

"You can ask anything there its not just a breastfeeding group its really just overall support", said Rossi.

 

The support can also be found inside the hospitals' retail store that is open to anyone.

 

For more information visit: https://www.dignityhealth.org/mercy-bakersfield/services/family-birth-center/lactation-support-center